The customs declaration is a mandatory document when importing and exporting goods, providing detailed information about the goods to the Customs authority. So what is the meaning and legal value of the customs declaration for related parties? The article will provide definitions, functions of the customs declaration, analyze its legal value for importing and exporting enterprises as well as the Customs authority.
Customs declaration
What is Customs Declaration?
Customs declaration is a type of mandatory legal document that organizations and individuals must submit to Customs, providing comprehensive details related to exported or imported goods when going through customs procedures.
The content of the declaration includes information about the consignee, exporter/importer, details of the goods such as quantity, type, origin, and customs criteria such as assessed value for tax calculation, tax rates, and the amount of tax to be paid. This information is crucial for determining tax obligations related to the shipment.
Customs declaration for export goods
Functions of Customs Declaration
The customs declaration has 4 basic functions:
- The basis for the Customs authority to inspect and supervise imported and exported goods
- Legal documents in the inspection work, determining responsibilities of related parties
- The basis for making accounting documents at the enterprise
- The basis for statistics of commodity groups and import-export turnover of the country
With the above functions, it can be seen that the customs declaration has an important legal position for the import-export activities of enterprises.
Legal Value of the Customs Declaration
In the set of documents for customs procedures, the customs declaration is the most compulsory and critical legal document.
Without the declaration, the set of customs documents cannot be formed or distinguished from other types of documents. Therefore, the declaration is considered the focal document of the set of customs documents due to the following functions and legal values:
- Comprehensive Reflection of Information: Firstly, the declaration fully reflects the actual information of each import/export shipment, including both legal and operational elements. This is an important basis for the inspection and handling by the Customs authority.
- Legal Evidence of Rights and Obligations: Secondly, the customs declaration is the legal evidence acknowledging the rights and obligations of the customs declarant as well as the responsibilities of the Customs officers in ensuring the accuracy and completeness of the declared information.
- Representation of Customs Inspection Results: Thirdly, the declaration reflects the inspection results of the Customs towards each specific shipment. All inspection results and violation handling relating to each import/export shipment are recorded and updated in the customs declaration.
Legal value of Customs Declaration
According to regulations, the customs declaration is a compulsory legal document that cannot be missing from the set of import/export documents. If there are only accompanying documents such as contracts, bills of lading, invoices without the declaration, the Customs authority cannot carry out procedures for that shipment.
Therefore, the declaration is considered the key legal basis for forming the set of customs documents. Accompanying documents are only viewed as supplementary information to the declaration and cannot replace it.
Due to its importance, the customs declaration must follow the official template provided by the Customs authority, cannot be adjusted without permission, and is valid within 15 days from registration. Any modifications or supplements to the declaration must also comply with proper procedures and regulations prescribed by law.
In conclusion, it can be affirmed that the customs declaration is the key element to form and distinguish customs documents from other types of documents.
Customs Clearance Services at SSR Logistics
To facilitate the declaration process of customs declarations as well as simplify customs procedures for businesses, SSR Logistics has been providing comprehensive solutions for the following customs services:
- Free consultation on customs procedures
- Collecting, checking and submitting full related documents and records
- Directly declaring customs declarations on behalf of enterprises
- Representing enterprises to carry out customs clearance procedures and cargo release
- Supporting the resolution of arising issues during the clearance process
- Clearing imported/exported goods
- Applying for import/export licenses
- Registering Certificates of Origin Forms: A, B, D, E, VK, AK, VJ, AJ, AI, EUR.1, CPTPP, AANZ, AHK, etc.
- Consulting on customs tax and HS code lookup
- Application for Veterinary Certificate and Phytosanitary Certificate
- Making norms, stock reports, finalization reports
In addition to customs procedure services, with a system of modern warehouses and experienced transportation staff, SSR Logistics also provides a variety of supporting services such as: warehouse leasing, domestic transportation, international transportation by sea and air, and international express delivery.
With its experienced staff and professional working process, SSR Logistics is confident to deliver the best customs services to help customers maximize time and cost savings for their import and export activities.
Therefore, through the article, it can be observed that the customs declaration is a mandatory legal document, playing a pivotal role in establishing the rights and obligations of the parties involved in import and export activities.
An accurate and complete declaration on the customs form is the foundation for a smooth customs clearance process. Therefore, businesses need to focus on accurately declaring customs information, avoiding errors that could lead to legal violations. Explore more articles in our Logistics Knowledge section.
If you are facing difficulties in the customs declaration process, feel free to contact SSR Logistics for free customs procedures consultation. With an experienced team of experts and comprehensive solutions, SSR Logistics will assist in ensuring smooth and highly effective import and export operations for your business.
